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    South Island, New Zealand

    Cardrona

    Ski 615 hectares across six basins in New Zealand's Southern Alps, with world-class terrain parks and runs from 1,260–1,860m.

    Season 2026
    Opens
    13 June 2026
    Closes
    11 Oct 2026
    Days open
    120
    Annual snow
    3m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Cardrona is New Zealand's largest ski area, spanning 615 hectares of lift-accessed terrain across six basins in the Southern Alps between Wānaka and Queenstown. The ski field rises from 1,260m to 1,860m with 600m of vertical drop and 38 marked runs split across a broad ability range — 25% beginner, 25% intermediate, 30% advanced and 20% expert.

    A major terrain expansion in 2025 opened Soho Basin, adding 150 hectares of intermediate and advanced terrain serviced by a new high-speed six-person chairlift. The resort also hosts the Southern Hemisphere's most extensive freestyle facilities, with four terrain parks, two halfpipes — including a 22-foot Olympic Superpipe — and a gravity cross course.

    Cardrona is the training base for the New Zealand Park & Pipe Team and has produced multiple Winter Olympic and X Games medallists. Beyond the parks, the terrain ranges from wide-open groomers ideal for families and learners through to the chutes and cliff drops of Arcadia for experienced riders.

    The resort's high elevation and predominantly south-facing aspect deliver some of the driest, most reliable snow in the region, and a combined lift pass with sister resort Treble Cone — acquired by parent company RealNZ in 2020 — gives access to a combined 850+ hectares of terrain across two distinct mountains.

    600m
    Vertical
    44
    Runs
    988 acres
    Skiable
    3m
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    44 runs across 988 acres skiable

    Cardrona spreads 44 runs across 988 acres skiable of terrain. It leans advanced at 30%, with 11 beginner runs to find your feet and 22 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    44
    runs
    44 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner11 runs · 25%
    Intermediate11 runs · 25%
    Advanced13 runs · 30%
    Expert9 runs · 20%
    Time it right

    When to visit Cardrona

    Cardrona operates from mid-June through to early October, with the 2026 season running from 13 June to 11 October. Average annual snowfall is 2.9 metres, supplemented by snowmaking on key trails across Main Basin and, from 2026, in the expanded Soho Basin zone.

    The resort's high elevation and south-facing orientation — the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of north-facing slopes in Europe — help preserve snow quality through the season, with the driest and most consistent conditions typically falling between late July and August.

    September and early October bring spring skiing with smaller crowds and softer afternoon snow, particularly on the sun-exposed faces. The season window positions Cardrona as a prime counter-seasonal destination for Northern Hemisphere skiers chasing midyear snow, with the resort regularly drawing international visitors from Australia, Asia and beyond.

    School holiday periods in July can see higher demand across the mountain, though the 2025 Soho Basin expansion has materially increased capacity and spread skier traffic across a broader area.

    Season 2026
    13 June 2026
    Opens
    11 Oct 2026
    Closes
    120
    Days open
    3 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Cardrona, and where to stay

    Cardrona sits high in New Zealand's Southern Alps on the Crown Range between Wānaka and Queenstown, in the Southern Lakes district of the South Island. The resort is a 35-minute drive from Wānaka and approximately 60 minutes from Queenstown, with the approach from Queenstown crossing the Crown Range road — one of New Zealand's highest sealed roads and a spectacularly scenic alpine drive.

    The final 10km to the resort follows a gravel access road to the base area at 1,670m. Daily shuttle services operate from both Queenstown and Wānaka to the mountain, and chains may be required on the access road during heavy snowfall.

    Queenstown Airport is the nearest commercial gateway, 53km to the south, with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Wānaka Airport sits 44km away with regional connections.

    At the base of the access road, the historic Cardrona Hotel — one of New Zealand's oldest and most photographed pubs — provides a natural après stop on the drive home. Accommodation in Wānaka and Queenstown offers a wide range of options, and the resort itself has 15 on-mountain apartments for those wanting slope-side access.

    Where to stay

    Search all stays →

    Hotels and lodges near Cardrona, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
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    1 Sept 2026
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    31 Aug 2026
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    28 Aug 2026
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    26 Aug 2026
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    25 Aug 2026

    Cardrona Lift Tickets

    Cardrona lift tickets & passes

    Cardrona is currently open for the 2026 season through Oct 11, 2026. Lift tickets are available for daily and multi-day visits.

    Day passes start from NZ$60, with peak rates up to NZ$160.

    9 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–74

    Adult Daily Lift Pass

    NZ$100up to NZ$160 peak

    Experience Cardrona's diverse terrain with full mountain access to New Zealand's biggest ski resort. This adult daily pass provides access to 615 hectares of varied terrain including wide groomed runs, terrain parks, and the famous Chondola gondola-chairlift hybrid. Perfect for exploring Cardrona's family-friendly slopes just 1 hour from Queenstown and 45 minutes from Wanaka.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–17

    Child Daily Lift Pass

    NZ$60up to NZ$83 peak

    Child lift pass for Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand's most family-friendly ski field. Children aged 6-17 enjoy discounted access to Cardrona's excellent learning terrain, kids' facilities, and progressive ski programs. The resort features dedicated children's areas and comprehensive ski school programs.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Children Under 5 - Free

    Free

    Free lift access for children 5 years and under at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Young children ski free with paying adult, providing excellent value for families visiting New Zealand's premier family ski destination. Includes access to all beginner slopes and family facilities.

    Buy pass
    Senior 75–99

    Senior (75+) - Free

    Free

    Complimentary lift access for seniors 75 years and over at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Free skiing with proof of age, allowing senior guests to enjoy Cardrona's gentle slopes and spectacular mountain views without cost.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Adult 18–74

    2-Day Multi Pass

    NZ$180up to NZ$280 peak

    Flexible 2-day lift pass for Cardrona and Treble Cone ski areas. This multi-day pass allows access to both mountains, providing variety across 850 hectares of combined terrain. Use within 21 days of first activation, perfect for exploring different mountain experiences during your Wanaka ski holiday.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–74

    3-Day Multi Pass

    NZ$255up to NZ$390 peak

    Value 3-day lift pass providing access to both Cardrona and Treble Cone. Enjoy the flexibility to ski different mountains each day or return to your favorite. Pass includes access to Cardrona's terrain parks and Treble Cone's legendary off-piste terrain. Must be used within 21 days of first use.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–74

    4-Day Multi Pass

    NZ$320up to NZ$480 peak

    Extended 4-day pass for Cardrona and Treble Cone ski areas, offering excellent value for longer stays. Experience the best of both worlds - Cardrona's family-friendly terrain and world-class parks, plus Treble Cone's challenging alpine terrain and stunning Lake Wanaka views.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–74

    7-Day Multi Pass

    NZ$490up to NZ$700 peak

    Week-long access to Cardrona and Treble Cone with significant daily savings. Perfect for extended Wanaka ski holidays, offering ultimate flexibility to ski based on conditions and preference. Includes access to all terrain, lifts, and facilities at both mountains.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 18–74

    Season Pass - Dual Mountain

    NZ$999up to NZ$1,299 peak

    Unlimited season access to both Cardrona and Treble Cone ski areas. The ultimate pass for serious skiers and snowboarders, providing access to 850 hectares of diverse terrain from June through October. Includes priority benefits, partner discounts, and flexibility to ski any day of the season.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Cardrona day pass cost?+
    Cardrona day passes range from NZ$60 to NZ$160 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Cardrona lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Cardrona lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Cardrona, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Cardrona lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Cardrona - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Cardrona lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Cardrona offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Cardrona directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Cardrona.

    More Cardrona intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.